Huddersfield Rental Property Market: 5-Year Overview & What Landlords Should Expect in 2025

 

Huddersfield Rental Property Market: 5-Year Overview & What Landlords Should Expect in 2025 Over the past five years, Huddersfield’s rental market has undergone a major transformation — and if you’re a landlord, these trends matter more than ever. From 2020 to 2025, the average monthly rent in Huddersfield surged from £585 to £805 — a 37% increase. That’s even higher than the 35% national rise over the same period (from £1,331 to £1,803). Regionally, rents in Yorkshire and the Humber climbed 32%, from £757 to £1,003. So, how does this affect you as a landlord? Let’s take a closer look. 📈 Rents Rising, But Caution Creeping In Despite the strong upward trend, not all landlords are having it their way. As affordability tightens, some have had to cut asking rents — with 24% of listings across the UK undergoing price adjustments in 2025 alone. Still, Huddersfield tenants are paying substantially more than they were five years ago, even as the pace of increases slows. 🏘 Supply Hasn't Kept Up While rents have gone up, supply has edged down. Here’s the average number of new rental listings per month in Huddersfield over the last six years: 2020: 255 2021: 222 2022: 235 2023: 252 2024: 231 2025: 230 And while we’re back to seasonal peaks in spring and early autumn — especially October, thanks to the student market — the pandemic-era disruption still echoes in lower year-round volumes. Nationally, rental availability remains over 25% below pre-Covid levels, keeping the pressure on. 👀 What’s Happening Right Now in Huddersfield? Agents across town are still seeing strong demand, even if the frenzy of 2022–23 has eased. Good-quality listings are attracting multiple enquiries, thanks in part to Huddersfield's relative affordability compared to nearby cities. Vacancy rates remain low. And while supply is inching up, the gap between supply and demand remains significant. Unless that changes, rents are likely to keep rising — albeit more gradually. My forecast for Huddersfield? Another 3% to 4% growth in 2025. 🔍 2025 Outlook: The Pressures and Possibilities for Landlords Here’s what Huddersfield landlords need to watch in the year ahead — both the challenges and the opportunities. ⚠️ The Key Challenges 1. Big Regulatory Changes Are Coming The Renters’ Reform Bill could be a game-changer. It’s set to scrap Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and strengthen tenant protections — a major concern for landlords dealing with difficult tenancies. Plus, changes to EPC regulations could force landlords to invest heavily in older properties to meet energy standards. 2. Finance and Maintenance Costs Are Up Buy-to-let mortgage rates have jumped from 2–3% post-pandemic to 5%+ by 2024. While the Bank of England’s recent rate drop to 4.25% offers slight relief, inflation has pushed maintenance costs higher. Landlords now spend around 20% of rental income on upkeep. 3. Tax Is Squeezing Yields The removal of mortgage interest relief, tougher Capital Gains Tax rules, and the looming Making Tax Digital rollout are all eating into profits — especially for higher-rate taxpayers. In fact, 15.6% of homes listed for sale in Q1 2025 were previously rented properties — up from 9.8% a year earlier — a sign that some landlords are deciding it's no longer worth it. 4. Tenant Expectations Are Rising Today’s renters want more: better insulation, fast broadband, modern kitchens, and bathrooms. And with the cost-of-living squeeze, arrears remain a risk — especially for landlords managing tenancies themselves. 🌟 The Opportunities 1. Demand Remains Strong Huddersfield continues to offer good value for money, attracting young professionals, families, and students. Well-maintained homes are letting quickly with minimal voids. 2. Yields Are Better Than They’ve Been in Years With rents at historic highs, gross yields are strong, especially for landlords with little or no mortgage debt. Even those with mortgages are faring well if they've kept borrowing under control. 3. Less Competition As some landlords exit the market, those who remain are seeing less competition and better returns. There are even portfolio acquisition opportunities for landlords looking to grow — often with tenants already in place. (If you’re interested, I’m happy to consult our landlord database to find available properties.) 🧠 Final Thoughts for Huddersfield Landlords Huddersfield’s rental market continues to evolve — and while it’s not without challenges, there are still excellent opportunities for informed and proactive landlords. If you're managing your own properties or using another letting agent and want to talk strategy — from pricing to compliance to tenant retention — I’d love to help.

Renters Rights Bill- June 2025 Update

 

Dear Valued Client, The Renters’ Rights Bill has now cleared the Committee Stage in the House of Lords and has entered the Report Stage. The Third Reading will follow shortly, after which the Bill returns to the Commons for final amendments. This is a key moment for landlords — and we’re here to ensure you’re prepared for what lies ahead. Timeline to Implementation The Government is targeting a phased rollout of the new rules starting October 2025. Key Reforms – What They Mean for You 1. Goodbye to Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions Section 21 notices will be abolished. But it’s not all bad news: new and improved Section 8 grounds are being introduced. Repossess to sell the property or use it for yourself or close family. Faster action on repeat rent arrears or serious breaches. 2. All Tenancies to Become Periodic Fixed-term ASTs will automatically convert to rolling tenancies. You retain the right to serve notice (via Section . Tenants must give two months’ notice to leave. 3. Rent Controls & Bidding Ban Rent reviews limited to once per year, in line with the market. No more bidding wars — advertised rent must be final. 4. Lifetime Deposit Scheme (Likely Optional) Helps tenants move without needing a new deposit. You still receive full deposit protection, just transferred between landlords. 5. Stronger Tenant Protections No blanket bans on tenants with children or on benefits — but affordability checks and referencing remain allowed. Pets: You can still say no — with a reasonable explanation. Tenants may be required to hold pet damage insurance. 6. Minimum Property Standards (Decent Homes + Awaab’s Law) Mandatory standards to tackle issues like damp and mould. Most of you already meet high standards — so minimal change. Better conditions = happier tenants who stay longer. 7. New Dispute Resolution System A Landlord Ombudsman will offer a faster, free alternative to court. Decisions are binding on tenants, helping resolve rent or conduct disputes efficiently. A new PRS database will register all landlords and properties — making compliance easier to demonstrate. 8. Stronger Enforcement Expect harsher penalties for breaches. Tenants gain more rights to challenge rent increases and seek compensation through tribunals. What’s Next? Report Stage & Third Reading in the Lords – Minor changes may still arise. Royal Assent expected by July 2025. Key reforms to go live from October 2025. As your trusted letting partner, we’ll continue to keep you informed with clear, timely updates.

How Huddersfield Has Grown: A Look at Homes Built Since 1970

🏡 What the Age of Huddersfield’s Homes Reveals About the Market

Huddersfield’s property market tells a fascinating story when you look at it through the lens of housing age. This map highlights the percentage of homes built after 1970—and it offers a real glimpse into how the town has grown and changed over the last 50+ years.

🗺️ Grey areas show neighbourhoods with no significant new development since 1970. These are typically home to older, character-filled properties—think high ceilings, original features, and period charm.

🌤️ Lighter yellow and orange zones mark areas with some newer housing, though growth has been relatively modest. These spots often offer a blend of old and new, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

🔥 Darker red areas point to clusters of post-1970 development—modern estates with newer homes, better insulation, and layouts designed for contemporary living.

Why does this matter? Because understanding the age of housing stock is key when buying or selling. Some buyers are drawn to the history and craftsmanship of older homes, while others prioritise the efficiency, convenience, and style of newer builds.

As a local Huddersfield estate agent, We use this insight to match the right buyers with the right homes—and help sellers market their property’s unique strengths more effectively.

👉 Whether you’re thinking of moving or just curious about your area, feel free to get in touch.